2012 was the year of the volunteer. When Mitt Romney suggested we might not pull off the Olympics, he reckoned without the 70,000-strong army of Games Makers, who did us as proud as our athletes. Buoyed by their example, I hope we can harness this energy and enthusiasm and see a rise in volunteering in local communities.

For the last two years I’ve been volunteering with a small educational charity called the Hackney Pirates. I’ve run writing workshops, volunteered at innovative afterschool sessions, helped manage some creative fundraising events and written monthly newsletters. In return, I’ve received training, gained confidence, extended my CV and met many talented and brilliant people – not least the young kids we work with. And all while getting to use my best pirate puns! The Hackney Pirates, like our friends at Spark+Mettle and Ministry of Stories, evolved from the 826 Valencia project – the brainchild of writer Dave Eggers. Although they’re all unique, they have in common a desire to help creatives give something back to their community by sharing skills and passions with young people.

If you’re between jobs or still studying you might be cautious about making a commitment to a charity. Rest assured lots of organisations are happy to take on short-term help or discuss ways in which you can contribute around work or a course. Mindful of ‘corporate social responsibility’, many larger companies have staff volunteering schemes which allow you to carry on your involvement – if yours doesn’t, ask! Employers are often keen to offer support when they can see the benefits of your commitment. You could also check out the Youth Funding Network, who organise events where charities pitch projects and you decide who to fund with your £10 ticket price. As well as having an evening out and supporting good causes, you might find the perfect place to volunteer, too!

In 2013 I will be an International Citizen Service (ICS) volunteer on a development project in Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere. (The ICS programme is open to 18-25 year olds and is due to run a further three years, so if you’re interested, take a look at how you could get involved.) I’ll be part of a small team of UK and Nicaraguan youth volunteers helping to carry out vital development work in a remote village. I hope to gain leadership skills and project-planning experience while making a real difference to the community I will be living in.

When I return from Nicaragua, the first thing I’ll do is head to Hackney to tell the young Pirates about my experiences. I also plan to set up a postcard exchange between young people in both communities. Because volunteering isn’t something isolated, overseas – you can have a swashbuckling adventure and create positive change wherever you are, with whatever you have to offer. Yarrrr!

Have you been a volunteer? Share your experiences below...

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